Code of Conduct & Business Principles
Valid Nutrition is determined to sustain its reputation for conducting its unique social business model with integrity and respect for all those with whom it works. This reputation is an asset which can only be maintained with the highest standards of behaviour – consistently applied and observed by all of us. Our Code of Conduct and Business Principles sets out these standards and we expect all our employees to adhere to them. Specifically, we expect this Code to be more than a collection of statements. It must have practical value in our day-to-day business lives and each of us must follow these principles both in the spirit and the letter. A copy of this Code should be accessible in all relevant areas in which we operate, and it should be given to existing and new customers and suppliers as appropriate. Valid Nutrition will not criticise employees for any loss of business resulting from adherence to these principles and other mandatory policies and instructions. Valid Nutrition expects employees to bring to the attention of senior management, any breach or suspected breach of these principles. We confirm that this can be done in absolute confidence and that no employee reporting such a breach or suspected breach will suffer as a consequence of doing so. In the event of there being any doubt or need for clarification on any aspect of this Code, employees should consult with their Line Manager before acting. In order to ensure that there is thorough awareness of the Code, all employees will be asked to sign a declaration stating that they have read and understood the content. By adhering to this Code of Conduct, I am convinced that Valid Nutrition’s reputation will be not only protected but also enhanced.
Standard of Conduct
Valid Nutrition will conduct its operations with honesty, integrity and openness, fairness, respect, responsibility, trust and sound business judgement and with respect for the human rights and interests of our employees. We shall similarly respect the legitimate interests of those with whom we have relationships.
Obeying the Law
Valid Nutrition and its employees are required to comply with the laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate.
Employees
Valid Nutrition is committed to diversity in a working environment where there is mutual trust and respect and where everyone feels responsible for the performance and reputation of our company. We will recruit, employ and promote employees on the sole basis of the qualifications and abilities needed for the work to be performed. Valid Nutrition are committed to pay fair remuneration.
We are committed to safe and healthy working conditions for all employees and to respecting their dignity at all times. We are committed to working with employees to develop and enhance each individual’s skills and capabilities.
Customers, Consumers and Suppliers
Valid Nutrition is committed to providing optimal quality ready-to-use foods at a competitive cost, which are safe for their intended use, and deliver nutritional benefits to all those who need them. Products and services will be accurately and properly labelled, advertised and communicated. Valid Nutrition is committed to establishing mutually beneficial relations with our suppliers, customers and business collaborators. In our business dealings, we expect our collaborators to adhere to business principles consistent with our own.
Stakeholders and Trustees
Valid Nutrition will conduct its operations in accordance with internationally accepted principles of good corporate governance. We will provide timely, regular and reliable information on our activities, structure, financial situation and performance to Trustees, our Management Board and stakeholders.
Public and Community
Valid Nutrition strives to be a trusted humanitarian company. We neither support political parties nor contribute to the funds of groups whose activities are calculated to promote party interests. We are committed to making continuous improvements in the management of our environmental impact.
Products and Innovation
In our new product development and innovation to meet humanitarian needs we will respect the concerns of our customers, consumers and of society. We will work on the basis of sound science, evidence-based, and applying rigorous standards of product safety.
Competition
Valid Nutrition and employees will conduct their operations in accordance with the principles of fair competition and all applicable regulations. In this respect, staff will refrain from gathering competitor intelligence by illegal or illegitimate means, and refrain from exaggerated or disparaging comments about competitor products or operations.
Images and Messages
Choices of images and messages to portray our work will be made based on the principles of:
- consent from and respect for the dignity of the people concerned;
- belief in the equality of all people; and
- acceptance of the need to promote fairness and justice.
Business Integrity
Valid Nutrition does not give or receive, whether directly or indirectly, bribes or other improper advantages for business or financial gain. No employee may offer, give or receive any gift or payment which is, or may be construed as being, a bribe. Any demand for, or offer of, a bribe must be rejected immediately and reported to management.
Valid Nutrition accounting records and supporting documents must accurately describe and reflect the nature of the underlying transactions. No undisclosed or unrecorded account, fund or asset will be established or maintained
Conflicts of Interests
All Valid Nutrition employees are expected to avoid personal activities and financial interests which could conflict with their responsibilities to the company. Employees must not seek gain for themselves or others through misuse of their positions.
Information Technology
All Valid Nutrition Information Technology equipment including computers, phones and other appliances must be used responsibly and solely in accordance with both legal and moral standards.
Confidentiality
Staff will often have access to or possession of confidential or business-sensitive information. Staff will take appropriate steps to ensure such information is strictly safeguarded especially that in relation to new products, strategic plans, operational results, marketing plans, personnel records and manufacturing processes. Such information must be treated confidentiality and sensitively and should only be shared on a need to know basis. When in doubt the Chief Executive should be consulted.
Breaches of Code
Any breaches of the Code must be reported to the Chairperson and Chief Executive of Valid Nutrition. Violation of the Code of Principles may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.
Dr Steve Collins reflects on the opportunities and problems associated with the USD$250 million contribution announced by Administrator, Samantha Power of USAID – a positive catalyst for change?
VALID commissioned and achieved peer-review of a professional report to quantify objectively the overall climate impact profile of the amino-acid enhanced, plant-based RUTF recipe. It has found that the overall global warming potential impacts of the plant-based RUTF recipe are 47%-52% less than the milk-peanut based recipe.
Dr Steve Collins gives a hugely informative and enlightened interview to ENN podcast while discussing his candid Reflections on the UN Global Action Plan on Wasting.